Dr. Gott: Vitamins may help macular degeneration
Dear Dr. Gott: Two months ago, you wrote about dry macular degeneration, and I have to disagree with your comment that there is no treatment. Eight years ago, I was told by the leading retina expert in my area that I was going blind due to the condition. I immediately moved my office to my home, figuring I would not be able to drive.
A close friend of mine who is an optometrist suggested I try a multivitamin specifically designed for the eyes. He read of a discovery that was producing good results. Well, the results were astounding. Although I still have the condition, my right eye tests 20/30 and my left tests 20/40. I lead a normal life.
The multivitamin only helps the dry form of the condition. Unfortunately, the eye industry does not accept this multivitamin, probably because they can’t make any money with the treatment.
The product, put out by ScienceBased Health, is Ocula RX. Their phone number is (888) 433-4726. Perhaps this will help some of your readers and will offer yet another option to their recovery.
Dear Reader: Long-standing tests have linked lower-than-normal levels of zinc and vitamin E serum with the development of age-related macular degeneration.
In my original column, I said there is no current treatment available to reverse dry macular degeneration. I also went on to say that most eye specialists recommend high doses of antioxidants and zinc to reduce its progression and recommended patients speak with their physicians about adding the supplements. In doing so, I believe I covered the issue of vitamins. However, I am grateful you offered an alternative option.
Eyes are precious. I am extremely pleased you have been able to lead a normal life and halt the progression of this devastating condition. I recommend other readers so diagnosed speak with their ophthalmologists about the possibility of vitamin therapy.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Fads: Vitamins and Minerals.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.